Breadcrumb trail

Canada’s contribution to humanitarian efforts in the Philippines bolstered by the departure of additional Canadian Armed Forces Personnel

News Release / November 15, 2013 / Project number: NR - 13.338

TRENTON – A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris, carrying approximately 70 personnel and equipment, deployed tonight as part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the city of Iloilo in the Philippines from 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.

Among the Canadian Armed Forces members onboard are medical personnel who will form mobile first aid teams to provide critical initial care to those in need. Other members include personnel to support relief operations by performing various duties.

“Canada has a long, proud history of helping nations in need and we remain committed to helping the people of the Philippines in this time of need,” said the Hon. Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. “Our focus remains on the swift deployment of personnel, equipment and supplies to affected areas to provide emergency relief while their nation recovers.”

The decision to deploy to Iloilo is based on the assessment and recommendations of the interdepartmental assessment team who are in the Philippines already, in addition to the request by the Government of the Philippines. This assessment, based on information derived from discussions with the Government of the Philippines as well as other organizations involved in the humanitarian effort, will also help determine what needs the Government of Canada can fill and what personnel, supplies and equipment should deploy as part of the DART.

The DART is a multidisciplinary military organization designed to deploy on short notice anywhere in the world in response to situations ranging from natural disasters to complex humanitarian emergencies. It is one component of Canada’s toolkit to respond to natural disasters abroad.